European Vacation - to Ireland from US

[Beau]

I know this is seriously off topic, but the advice here is good so I gotta try ....

My wife & I are planning a trip to Ireland, probably in May. We've never been to Europe except in our minds.

We know that we want to do a lot of hiking (is that what the guide books call Hill Walking? or Mountain Walking?) -- probably around 10-15 miles a day.

If you've been there or even live there, any suggestions on really nice sooper-dooper places to stay?

Or things we must do or see?

Or things we need to watch out for?

Or places to rent a MINI (to bring it back on topic )

Thanks for any help!

Chip

[mwb0603]

The Blasket Islands and the Dingle Peninsula! There is such an awesome history to the Blaskets. I had seen a documentary about the Blaskets, and the former residents of the islands before my last trip. It was like a dream come true to make the trip out there! The Blasket Islands

Well, there is soOOOooo much information out there, and so many great places to stay as well. If you go to Dingle, check out the Mystic Celt Restaurant, easily one of the BEST restaurants I've ever been to! (and I've been to plenty of outstanding restaurants.) Also, we stayed at the Dromquinna Manor Hotel in Kenmare, which was a really wonderful place. Also in Kenmare, another Best Restaurants is the Lime Tree. We had the best time there, and absolutely loved the restaurant!(we even thought it was better than the Mystic Celt)

There is a lot of hill walking (hiking) to do in Ireland. Between Dingle and Kenmare is of course Killarney. Then on the east coast south of Dublin some great hiking can be found in the Wicklow Mountains.

wow.. there is just so much to do and see in Ireland. How long are you going for? There are some MINI2 Members in Ireland, maybe you could check with them about places to go and see, and about MINI info in Ireland as well. Also the west and northwest are also very beautiful! Especially up around Donegal.

I'm jealous!! I need to make another trip to Ireland in the near future!

Matt

p.s. I have a ton of online resources for you if youre interested. Let me know!

[Beau]

THANKS!

I just checked out the Blasket Islands link -- awesome. I'll definitely put that on our list.

And yes I'd love to get your online resources. Feel free to PM me or post them here.

Thanks for this great info... I'm forwarding it on to my wife since she's our official travel department

[AidenL]

I just typed a big reply here, but lost it somehow....

Anyway, greetings from Ireland, anything specific you would like to know, just ask !

I'm actually in Donegal, by the way......one of the most beautiful counties !

[Beau]

Quote:

Originally posted by AidenL
I just typed a big reply here, but lost it somehow....

Anyway, greetings from Ireland, anything specific you would like to know, just ask !

NO!! I want your big post!

Specifics -- we simply don't know enough (yet?) to even ask questions. Well, maybe a few...

1) Can we rent a car with a driver's license from the US?
2) Best time of year for a hiking trip?
3) Times of year to avoid?
4) Easiest, lowest stress airport?

That's all I can think of right now.
It would be good if forum software auto-saved frequently wouldn't it?

Thanks!
Chip

[mwb0603]

Oh no!! I just checked the Dromquinna's website, and it says that they are closed until further notice. Maybe theyll be open in May! Dromquinna.com

The heritage site may be a great place for info on hiking. It has info on all the National Heritage parks Heritage site

Heres probably exactly what youre looking for.. Walking Ireland

stay tuned..

[AidenL]

Quote:

Originally posted by Beau
NO!! I want your big post!

Specifics -- we simply don't know enough (yet?) to even ask questions. Well, maybe a few...

1) Can we rent a car with a driver's license from the US?
2) Best time of year for a hiking trip?
3) Times of year to avoid?
4) Easiest, lowest stress airport?

That's all I can think of right now.
It would be good if forum software auto-saved frequently wouldn't it?

Thanks!
Chip

1. Yes, I believe so.
2. Summer, never too hot here,never gets over 26degrees C or so, even on a really good day. Autumn / Fall would be nice too.....
3. Winter
4. Shannon is easier than Dublin.

More info to follow........

Aiden !

[mwb0603]

Shannon Airport..
No problem renting a car! (just remember to stay to the left.. especially at the roundabouts!)
time of year.. we actually found the end of May early June to be the best. Its shoulder season, most places are open, and its less expensive, and less touristy I think. And AidenL is correct. Donegal is spectacular! I love the west coast of Ireland!

[Beau]

Quote:

Originally posted by mwb0603
Oh no!! I just checked the Dromquinna's website, and it says that they are closed until further notice. Maybe theyll be open in May! Dromquinna.com

The heritage site may be a great place for info on hiking. It has info on all the National Heritage parks Heritage site

Heres probably exactly what youre looking for.. Walking Ireland

stay tuned..

Oh yeah, those sites look like great places to be browsing...

Thanks!

[mwb0603]

Also, I used AAIrelands (the automobile association) Route Planner to help me map our last trip. It was very helpful!
AAIrelands Route planner

Its like using mapquest or mapblast!

[Beau]

Quote:

Originally posted by obehave
Not one single Griswolds comment?
I'm disappointed

Well, that's what I was thinking when I posted the note, but I didn't want to jinx our trip

[KenL]

Please consider visiting Scotland as well

[Beau]

Quote:

Originally posted by KenL
Please consider visiting Scotland as well

Sure we will. We are already thinking that would be next years vacation, especially if this one goes well.
I'm fascinated with the Highland Games over here & would love to attend a proper one in Scotland.

[AidenL]

In Donegal, Glenveagh National Park and Castle is worth a look.

Also, the Atlantic Drive Area, North of the county is good, Rossnowlagh, Ballyshannon in the south where I live is nice, 4 mile long sandy beaches, blue flag status, spectacular.

Galway and the Connemara area is worth seeing also, as is the Kerry region, which is probably more well known in the US, but incredibly "shure and begorragh" orientated.

[mwb0603]

Quote:

Galway and the Connemara area is worth seeing also, as is the Kerry region, which is probably more well known in the US, but incredibly "shure and begorragh" orientated.

True! Especially around Killarney. Also, the Cliffs of Moher is kinda touristy too, but its beautiful! (very spiritual place for me, long story) There are also some great walks around the Burren in County Clare, and theres a Ferry from Doolin to the Aran Islands which is another great trip. My next trip will be to Galway, Connemara and the Northwest. I havent been in those areas since I was a kid, staying at our cousins house in Inverin. Ouch.. this hurts, I miss Ireland terribly!